STEREOTACTIC MAMMOGRAPHY IMAGING SYSTEM WITH PRONE POSITION EXAMINATION TABLE AND CCD IMAGING SYSTEM

摘要

An elongated prone patient-supporting examining table (43) for X-ray mammography is centrally supported at variable heights by a rear pedestal. The table is provided with a central breast-receiving aperture (35) through which the patient's pendulant breast is exposed to a horizontal beam of X-rays from a tube head source (280) mounted on an arm angularly movable through an arc of some 210.degree. centered on the patient's breast. Diagnosis of suspect lesions and fine needle biopsy are both facilitated by stereotactic examination. Digital imaging using a CCD camera (36) and image enhancement software provides magnification, contrast enhancement, window and level manipulation and high resolution images, with low exposure levels, short exposure times, and greatly reduced imaging times.